Behavioral Health Counselor Jobs for OPT Students
Behavioral Health Counselor roles on OPT typically require a master's degree in counseling, social work, or a related field. Most positions also require state licensure or supervised hours toward licensure, which matters for your OPT timeline. STEM OPT extension is not available for this role.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Agency Logo:
- Requisition ID: HEA0AKH
- Number of Openings: 1
- Shift: Day Job
- Posting End Date: Apr 29, 2026
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supervises, guides, and/or instructs the work assignments of subordinate staff.
- Directs counseling program for a facility.
- Plans, develops, implements and administers appropriate services and programs for clients.
- Manages small case load.
- Supervises and plans work of assigned staff.
- Act as client advocate in order to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
- Coordinates training for staff and participates in job related training.
- Develop and implement treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge.
- Directs treatment staff in evaluating, planning treatments, and delivering therapeutic services.
- Facilitates the administrative and programmatic operation of the program.
- Maintain confidentiality of records relating to client's treatment.
- May counsel clients in individual and group sessions to help them overcome dependencies, recover from illness, and adjust to life.
- Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress according to measurable goals described in treatment and care plan.
- Prepare and maintain all required treatment records and reports.
BENEFITS
In addition to a competitive salary & benefits, GA Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is part of a statewide initiative called Total Rewards that seeks to attract and retain employees by supplementing their base pay and benefits with programs designed to improve the quality of their work environment and lead to greater job satisfaction and work/life balance. Eligible employees are offered generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. For more information, visit https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/benefits
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, individuals and communities we serve, certain positions within DBHDD may require evaluations, vaccinations, professional licensure and certifications. Licenses must be current and enable providers to practice within the State of Georgia.
The following are a listing of evaluations and vaccinations that may be required for employees, including those not involved with direct care:
- Drug Screening
- TB Evaluation
- Annual Influenza*
- Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.
DBHDD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of DBHDD to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process.
THIS POSITION IS SUBJECT TO CLOSE AT ANY TIME ONCE A SATISFACTORY APPLICANT POOL HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED.
FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited college or university in a related field and six (6) years of job-related experience, which includes two (2) years in a lead worker, team leader, or supervisory role; or two (2) years of experience at the lower level Behavioral Hlth Counselor 3 (HCP102) or position equivalent. Note: Some positions may require certification or licensure.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Agency Logo:
- Requisition ID: HEA0AKH
- Number of Openings: 1
- Shift: Day Job
- Posting End Date: Apr 29, 2026
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supervises, guides, and/or instructs the work assignments of subordinate staff.
- Directs counseling program for a facility.
- Plans, develops, implements and administers appropriate services and programs for clients.
- Manages small case load.
- Supervises and plans work of assigned staff.
- Act as client advocate in order to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
- Coordinates training for staff and participates in job related training.
- Develop and implement treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge.
- Directs treatment staff in evaluating, planning treatments, and delivering therapeutic services.
- Facilitates the administrative and programmatic operation of the program.
- Maintain confidentiality of records relating to client's treatment.
- May counsel clients in individual and group sessions to help them overcome dependencies, recover from illness, and adjust to life.
- Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress according to measurable goals described in treatment and care plan.
- Prepare and maintain all required treatment records and reports.
BENEFITS
In addition to a competitive salary & benefits, GA Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is part of a statewide initiative called Total Rewards that seeks to attract and retain employees by supplementing their base pay and benefits with programs designed to improve the quality of their work environment and lead to greater job satisfaction and work/life balance. Eligible employees are offered generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. For more information, visit https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/benefits
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, individuals and communities we serve, certain positions within DBHDD may require evaluations, vaccinations, professional licensure and certifications. Licenses must be current and enable providers to practice within the State of Georgia.
The following are a listing of evaluations and vaccinations that may be required for employees, including those not involved with direct care:
- Drug Screening
- TB Evaluation
- Annual Influenza*
- Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.
DBHDD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of DBHDD to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process.
THIS POSITION IS SUBJECT TO CLOSE AT ANY TIME ONCE A SATISFACTORY APPLICANT POOL HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED.
FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited college or university in a related field and six (6) years of job-related experience, which includes two (2) years in a lead worker, team leader, or supervisory role; or two (2) years of experience at the lower level Behavioral Hlth Counselor 3 (HCP102) or position equivalent. Note: Some positions may require certification or licensure.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Behavioral Health Counselor
Clarify your licensure status upfront
Most Behavioral Health Counselor positions require a state license or documented progress toward one. Know exactly where you stand before applying. Employers hiring on OPT need confidence you can legally practice, so lead with your licensure timeline in your cover letter.
Target employers with supervision infrastructure
Community health centers, hospital systems, and nonprofits often have licensed supervisors on staff who can oversee your hours toward licensure. These organizations are more likely to understand OPT work authorization and have experience hiring international counseling graduates.
Highlight your degree field on every application
OPT must be directly related to your degree. A master's in clinical mental health counseling or social work is a strong match for this role. State that connection explicitly in your resume and cover letter so hiring managers see the authorization is straightforward.
Start your OPT application early
USCIS recommends applying up to 90 days before your program end date. Behavioral Health Counselor hiring timelines can stretch two to three months, so having your EAD in hand before you start applying puts you in a much stronger position with employers.
Focus on employers with a record of sponsoring counselors
Large behavioral health networks, federally qualified health centers, and VA facilities have sponsored international workers before and understand the process. Search Migrate Mate to find Behavioral Health Counselor roles at employers actively open to OPT candidates and visa sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Behavioral Health Counselor on OPT?
Yes, as long as your employment is directly related to your degree. A master's in clinical mental health counseling, social work, or a closely related field satisfies the OPT direct-relationship requirement for this role. You'll need your EAD card before starting work, and your position must align with the field listed on your SEVIS record.
Does Behavioral Health Counselor qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
No. Behavioral Health Counseling falls under CIP codes in the social and behavioral sciences, not the STEM-designated fields recognized by DHS. That means your OPT work authorization is limited to 12 months. Planning for H-1B sponsorship or another nonimmigrant visa before your OPT expires is essential.
Do I need a state license to work as a Behavioral Health Counselor on OPT?
Licensure requirements depend on the state and the specific job. Many entry-level positions allow you to work under supervision while accumulating hours toward a license such as the LPC, LMHC, or LCSW. Confirm the employer's requirements before applying, since unlicensed practice in a state that requires it could jeopardize both your employment and your OPT status.
How do I find Behavioral Health Counselor employers who sponsor OPT?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters job listings by sponsorship willingness. Behavioral Health Counselor roles at community mental health centers, hospital systems, and federally qualified health centers are among the most active hirers of international graduates in this field. Browsing by employer type on Migrate Mate helps you focus on organizations with a sponsorship track record.
What happens to my OPT if I'm still accumulating supervision hours toward licensure?
Your OPT status is tied to active, qualifying employment, not licensure status. Working under a licensed supervisor while accruing hours counts as valid OPT employment as long as the role is related to your degree and you're being compensated. Unpaid supervision hours do not satisfy OPT employment requirements, so confirm your arrangement includes paid employment before your program ends.
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